Top Hat 1935
Directed by
Mark Sandrich
Made by
RKO Radio Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Top Hat (1935). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
While residing in a London hotel alongside his English theatrical backer, Horace Hardwick, American musical revue star Jerry Travers inadvertently awakens his downstairs neighbor, Dale Tremont, with his incessant tap dancing. Instantly captivated by the furious Dale, Jerry, undeterred by her initial coldness, showers her with flowers every day. His bold moves escalate when he decides to pose as a hansom cab driver, delivering her to her riding lesson in the park, where they share a romantic moment in a pavilion during an unexpected rainstorm.
However, Dale’s newfound joy is abruptly disrupted when she mistakenly concludes that Jerry, whose name she does not yet know, is the husband of her matchmaking friend, Madge Hardwick. Despite her longing to return to America, she is persuaded by her devoted Italian dressmaker, Alberto Beddini, to accept an invitation from Madge to join her in Italy. Before departing, Dale encounters Jerry at the hotel, impulsively slapping him without explanation. Concerned that this slap may cause a scandal, the hotel management cautions a baffled Horace, who in turn blames his contentious valet Bates for the mishap.
After receiving a telegram from Madge indicating that Dale is heading to the Lido in Venice, a thrilled Jerry rushes through his London show and flies to Venice with Horace, completely unaware that Dale has confided in Madge about her husband’s inappropriate advances toward her. In Italy, Jerry remains perplexed by Dale’s changing emotions, while Horace finds himself equally confused by Alberto’s alarming threats. At the hotel nightclub, Dale is encouraged by Madge to dance with Jerry, not realizing that Dale has misidentified Jerry, the man Madge is hoping she will marry, as Horace.
The situation escalates when Jerry proposes to Dale, receiving yet another slap in return. Meanwhile, Madge, whose initially lighthearted reaction to Dale’s concerns about Horace quickly turns tumultuous, punches her husband in the face. Heartbroken and despondent, Dale is swept off her feet by Alberto, leading her to accept his proposal of marriage. The following day, Jerry discovers that Dale has wed, prompting him to resort to his tap dancing tricks from London to secretly arrange a meeting with her.
As fate would have it, Dale eventually learns Jerry’s true identity while they are cruising together in a gondola, but the vengeful Alberto is hot on their trail, chasing them across the picturesque canals. In a twist of fate, Bates reveals that he had impersonated a clergyman and officiated Alberto and Dale’s wedding. Now free to choose, Dale joyfully accepts Jerry’s proposal and, back in the nightclub, they dance together with uncontainable happiness, reveling in their love across the dance floor.
Timeline
Track the key events of Top Hat (1935) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jerry's Arrival in London
American musical revue star Jerry Travers arrives in a London hotel excited to begin his new project. He is accompanied by his English theatrical backer, Horace Hardwick, as they settle into their temporary home.
The Dance Disturbance
While practicing his tap dancing, Jerry accidentally awakens his downstairs neighbor, Dale Tremont. Despite Dale's initial irritation, Jerry becomes infatuated with her and begins sending her flowers daily.
The Romantic Cab Ride
Jerry grows bolder and decides to pose as a hansom cab driver to escort Dale to her riding lesson. During their time together in the park, they share a romantic moment in a pavilion as an unexpected rainstorm hits.
Misunderstanding and Slap
The blossoming romance hits a snag when Dale mistakenly believes that Jerry is the husband of her matchmaking friend, Madge Hardwick. In a fit of confusion and frustration, she impulsively slaps Jerry upon encountering him at the hotel.
Dale's Journey to Italy
Dale is convinced by her devoted dressmaker, Alberto, to accept an invitation from Madge to Italy, despite her longing to return to America. Before leaving, her connection with Jerry remains unresolved, with tension still lingering from the slap.
Jerry's Pursuit
After receiving a telegram informing him of Dale's travel to Venice, Jerry rushes through his London show and quickly flies to Italy with Horace. He remains unaware of the misunderstandings surrounding his identity.
Confusion in Italy
In Italy, Jerry is bemused by Dale's mixed signals regarding her feelings. Meanwhile, Horace finds himself confused by interference from Alberto, who has his own intentions, causing complications in the unfolding love story.
The Dance Invitation
At a nightclub in Venice, Madge encourages Dale to dance with Jerry, leading to further confusion. Dale mistakenly believes that Jerry is actually Horace, igniting more complications in their entangled relationships.
The Proposal Gone Wrong
In an unexpected turn, Jerry proposes to Dale, only to be met with another slap. This situation escalates when Madge reacts violently to Dale's complaints about Horace, further complicating emotions and relationships among the group.
Alberto's Marriage Proposal
Heartbroken and despondent after her troubling interactions with Jerry and misunderstandings with Horace, Dale is swept off her feet by Alberto. She ultimately accepts his marriage proposal, adding to the confusion and heartache.
Jerry's Secret Meeting
After discovering Dale's marriage to Alberto, Jerry resorts to his tap dancing skills from London to arrange a secret meeting with her. His determination showcases his feelings for her, despite the obstacles.
Revelation in the Gondola
During a scenic gondola ride, Dale learns of Jerry's true identity, leading to renewed feelings. However, they are pursued by the vengeful Alberto, adding urgency to their rediscovered connection.
The Wedding Reveal
In a surprising twist, it's revealed that Bates impersonated a clergyman and officiated Dale and Alberto's wedding. This revelation opens the door for Dale to reevaluate her choices and feelings for Jerry.
Dale's Decision
Finally free from her entanglements, Dale decides to accept Jerry's proposal. Their reunion is marked by joy as they celebrate their love amidst the enchanting backdrop of Venice.
A Joyful Dance
Back in the nightclub, Jerry and Dale dance together, embodying their uncontainable happiness. Their love story culminates in a lively celebration as they revel together on the dance floor.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Top Hat (1935) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire)
Jerry is a charming and persistent American musical star whose tap dancing captivates the people around him. He embodies romantic idealism, using his dance to win over Dale despite many misunderstandings. His determination and talent are central to the film's playful tone.
Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers)
Dale is an elegant and initially aloof woman who becomes the object of Jerry's affection. Her character navigates the confusion of love, grappling with her feelings and misunderstandings about Jerry's intentions. She is both strong-willed and vulnerable, making her journey compelling.
Horace Hardwick (Edward Everett Horton)
Horace is Dale's friend and Jerry's theatrical backer, serving as a comedic foil. His attempts to navigate the whirlwind of romantic misunderstandings add to the film's humor. He embodies a bumbling yet caring spirit, exacerbating the chaos with his misinterpretations.
Madge Hardwick (Helen Broderick)
Madge is a matchmaking friend who complicates the romance between Jerry and Dale. Her intentions often lead to humorous misunderstandings as she inadvertently misguides Dale about Jerry's identity. She represents the well-meaning friend facilitating the romantic chaos.
Alberto Beddini (Tito Blasco)
Alberto is Dale's devoted and somewhat scheming Italian dressmaker who proposes to her. His character brings tension to the love triangle and adds to the comedic conflict, showcasing jealousy and romantic rivalry in his efforts to win Dale's affection.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Top Hat (1935), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events take place during an unspecified time in the early 20th century, reflecting a period of musical revue popularity. This era is characterized by lighthearted entertainment and emerging film techniques that allowed musicals to flourish.
Location
London, Venice, Italy
The movie primarily takes place in London and Venice. London, known for its vibrant theater scene, serves as the backdrop for Jerry and Dale's initial encounters. Venice, famous for its stunning canals and romantic gondola rides, becomes the setting for the unfolding romance and intrigue.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Top Hat (1935). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Misunderstanding
The film explores the theme of love complicated by miscommunication and misunderstandings. Jerry's persistent affection for Dale is met with confusion, as her perceptions of him are clouded by misconceptions about his identity. Ultimately, the resolution hinges on clarity and the triumph of true love.
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Music and Dance
Music and dance play a crucial role in the narrative, serving as a means of expression for the characters. Jerry's tap dancing not only showcases his charisma but also acts as a catalyst for developing his relationship with Dale. The joyous musical numbers enhance the overall lightheartedness of the film.
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Theatricality
The theme of theatricality is prevalent, depicting the performance arts' role in the characters' lives. The characters often navigate their relationships with the exaggerated and comedic flair typical of musical comedies, illustrating the blend of reality and performance.
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